Jujube powder supplementation optimized high-moisture alfalfa silage through regulating microbial community

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Microbiology
• Food Science

Background:

• High-moisture alfalfa silage requires pre-wilting, an energy-intensive process.
• Optimizing silage fermentation is crucial for animal nutrition and feed preservation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of jujube powder (JP) on the ensiling process of high-moisture alfalfa.
• To assess chemical composition, microbial dynamics, and pathogenic control in alfalfa silage with JP.

Main Methods:

• High-moisture alfalfa was ensiled with varying fermentation periods (1-60 days) with and without JP.
• Chemical composition, bacterial and fungal communities, and metabolic pathways were analyzed.
• Pathogen contamination and saprotrophic activity were monitored.

Main Results:

• JP addition improved key fermentation parameters (pH, lactic acid, volatile fatty acids, NH3-N) in high-moisture alfalfa silage.
• JP increased beneficial bacteria, suppressed undesirable microbes, and promoted a dominant lactic acid bacteria (LAB) combination (Lactobacillus-Pediococcus-Lactococcus).
• JP restricted harmful bacterial metabolism, enhanced carbohydrate utilization, and controlled pathogens.

Conclusions:

• Jujube powder (JP) can optimize high-moisture alfalfa silage quality, offering an alternative to pre-wilting.
• The identified Lactobacillus-Pediococcus-Lactococcus combination shows potential for silage inoculant development.